More Topics

Weather Forecast

Klobuchar, Franken announce $1.3 million for tornado repairs in Wadena

U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, D-Minn., announced more than $1.3 million in federal funding to repair power cables in the city of Wadena following a June 2010 tornado that damaged overhead power lines and interrupted power to 1,200 customers for nearly five days.

"The Wadena community is still recovering from last year's devastating storm," said Klobuchar. "This funding will help the recovery process by ensuring families and businesses have access to safe and reliable power."

"It's especially difficult to deal with the aftermath of a devastating tornado when you lose power to your home and your business," said Franken. "These funds will ensure that the people of Wadena can keep their lights on and clean up after severe storms in the future."

The Public Assistance Grant, which will cover 75 percent of the cost of the project, comes through the Department of Homeland Security and will be distributed to the state through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The project will bury more than four miles of power lines, including the installation of raceway, equipment, primary cables, electrical equipment, and terminations. The upgrade will prevent future damage to the power grid from severe weather events.